joan

71 year old avid reader using either my eyes or ears. I make earrings that I donate to shelters and while I work, I listen to wonderful books. I also keep in mind that you have to kiss frogs to find princes - time's too short to bother with losers.

Perry Mason and the Case of the Velvet Claws: A Radio Dramatization

Thanks to a bungled robbery at a fancy hotel, the already-married Eva Griffin has been caught in the company of a prominent congressman. To protect the politico, Eva's ready to pay the editor of a sleazy tabloid his hush money. But Perry Mason has other plans. He tracks down the phantom fat cat who secretly runs the blackmailing tabloid -only to discover a shocking scoop. By the time Mason's comely client finally comes clean, her husband has taken a bullet in the heart.

This might not be a fair review. I'm told that this version of Mr. Mason is the way Earl Stanley Gardner wrote him and, being fair, since I haven't read any of the novels in more years than I care to count, that might be true. But, if you are looking for a story about a straight shooter, playing by the rules, lawyer's lawyer, this isn't it. This Mr. Mason subverts the system, mishandles evidence, even suggests that his client lie (subourning perjury???). I read about a zillion books per, and I listen to just as many. I won't be listening to more of these - why waste my time on a protagonist I don't like.Oh and I was disappointed by the performance too. No passion, no verve.

A Darker Shade of Sweden

Ever since Stieg Larsson shone a light on the brilliance of Swedish crime writing with his acclaimed and best-selling Millennium trilogy, listeners around the world have sought out and devoured the crime fiction of his countrymen (and women), many of whom have proved to be some of the greatest masters of the genre. In this landmark and unique publication, Sweden's most distinguished and best-loved crime writers have contributed stories to an anthology that promises to thrill even the most jaded mystery listener.

The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet

In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted Pluto out of planethood. Far from the sun, tiny, and eccentric in orbit, it's a wonder Pluto has any fans. Yet during the mounting debate over Pluto's status, Americans rallied behind the extraterrestrial underdog.

Hell Hole: A John Ceepak Mystery

Hell Hole is the fourth book in the mystery series featuring hardened former military PD and current Sea Haven, New Jersey, police officer John Ceepak and his partner, wise-cracking Danny Boyle.

In Hell Hole, Ceepak is confronted with his most personal case yet when he must investigate the alleged suicide of a military corporal who recently returned from Iraq. It turns out that this "locked stall" rest-stop suicide is anything but an open-and-shut case.

It's nice to have a series that doesn't disappoint and here is one. This, I think, is book five (or maybe four) but so far it hasn't let me down. Great characters with interesting interactions. Start with book one and you'll enjoy seeing the protagonists grow.

Mutineer: Kris Longknife, Book 1

Kris Longknife is a daughter of privilege, born to money and power. Her father is the prime minister of her home planet, her mother the consummate politician's wife. She's been raised only to be beautiful and marry well. But the heritage of the military Longknifes courses through Kris' blood - and, against her parents' objections, she enlists in the Marines.

Who Goes There?: The Novella That Formed the Basis of 'THE THING'

Who Goes There?, the novella that formed the basis of the film The Thing, is the John W. Campbell classic about an antarctic research camp that discovers and thaws the ancient body of a crash-landed alien.

I found this book slow - maybe it improves since I only got through about 2 hours. Also, as many other reviewers state the narrator isn't wonderful. Her style is stilted. I felt I was being instructed rather than being read to.

To Kill a Warlock: Dulcie O'Neil, Book 1

Dulcie O’Neil is a fairy. And not the type to frolic in gardens. She’s a Regulator - a law-enforcement agent who monitors the creatures of the Netherworld to keep them from wreaking havoc in the mortal world. When a warlock is murdered and Dulcie was the last person to see him alive, she must uncover the truth before she’s either deported back to the Netherworld, or she becomes the next victim. Enter Knight Vander, a sinfully attractive investigator sent from the Netherworld to work the case with Dulcie.

It just tooooo kitchy for me. In the first scene our heroine has been turned into something gross and her cookie-baking friend is trying to reverse the spell while baking cookies, which the "thing" devours. Hmmm - not my taste (pardon the pun - or don't).

The Privilege of the Sword

Award-winning author, narrator, and screenwriter Neil Gaiman personally selected this book, and, using the tools of the Audiobook Creation Exchange (ACX), cast the narrators and produced this work for his audiobook label, Neil Gaiman Presents. In this exciting new "illuminated production", the author herself reads her own work, supported by a full cast.

The Twilight Before Christmas

Best-selling novelist Kate Drake is one of seven sisters gifted with amazing powers of witchcraft. Returning home in time for her northern California town's annual Christmas pageant, Kate catches the spirit of the season and decides to open a bookstore in a charming but run-down historic mill. Decorated former U.S. Army Ranger Matt Granite, now a local contractor, doesn't mind working in the undeniably eerie house -- not if it means getting closer to Kate. There's something about the quiet, sensual woman that powerfully attracts him.

...but there's always an exception. This woman sounded (as she carefully enunciated every word) like she was reading to a child not like she was telling a tale. I don't know about the story because I pitched the book early because of the narration.

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